Kolkata knight riders
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KKR Releasing Bangladeshi Player From IPL 2026 Squad Draws Mixed Reactions From Political Leaders
Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy: The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 squad, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has triggered mixed reactions from political leaders across party lines. While some leaders welcomed the move, citing national sentiment and security concerns, others criticised the decision, arguing that politics should not interfere with sports.
Earlier on Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had directed the three-time IPL champions to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler and permitted the franchise to name a replacement player. “The BCCI has instructed KKR to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, while also allowing the franchise to appoint a replacement,” Saikia told IANS.
The decision reportedly followed concerns over violence against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh in December, as well as criticism from certain quarters opposing Rahman’s participation in the IPL. The move has since sparked a wider political debate over nationalism, religion, and the separation of sports and politics.
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